Their Passion. Our Pursuit.
Providing fishing related opportunities to youth and families through educational programs, mentoring and competition.
IYFL Junior Angler Team Finds Success at the National Opens
Junior duo Grant and Lane had a successful run in the 2022 Bassmaster Junior National Opens.
This dynamic duo traveled across the country to fish three of the four Bassmaster Junior National Opens in the 2022 season. Their first stop landed them at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida in January, where unseasonably cold weather presented a challenge. The pair brought in three fish for 5 pounds, 4 ounces to land 12th place at their first national tournament. "The Bassmaster Opens really introduced me to a whole new world of bass fishing. It was a lot more competitive than my normal weekend tournaments," said Grant Nore.
"They represented the state of Iowa well, with true grit and perseverance on a tough day of fishing," said Emily Lewis, Vice President of the Iowa Youth Fishing League, "It was a great showing for the IYFL's first appearance on the national stage."
In April, the team traveled to Lake Norfork in Henderson, Arkansas for Stop #3 of the series. With a blown big motor in practice, the team regrouped and went to work. Thankfully, Grant's dad had brought their boat down to Arkansas, as well. On tournament day, the team caught a lot of fish, but they were just short of the minimum length requirement. Grant and Lane brought in two fish for 4 pounds, 3 ounces. This landed them 15th place in their division. "We are proud that the IYFL brought three junior teams and a high school team to this tournament. We love to see the sport growing in Iowa." said Emily Lewis.
On their final run at the opens, Grant and Lane had two goals, to bring in a five-fish limit and place in the top five in the junior division. They traveled to Saginaw Bay, Michigan in June to take their chance at achieving that goal. The duo had a great week prefishing the largest body of water each has ever fished. Tournament day provided some rough water on their 22-mile run from the river into the bay. The run paid off and the team brought in their limit of fish for 13 pounds, 1 ounce. Grant captured the tournament big bass with a 3 pound, 10 ounce largemouth. Lane Lewis shared, "Sitting in the hot seat made me really nervous. We knew we had a good bag, so we waited for other teams to weigh in." After all teams weighed in, the final difference between the first, second and third place teams was only 14 ounces. Grant and Lane placed third at Saginaw Bay.
Upon reflecting on their first national tournament series experience, Grant stated, "The tournaments really helped my skillset grow in many different ways. In Florida, you had to fish really slow. In Arkansas I had to learn how to fish ledges." Lane added, "You can expect some challenges, but the opens help you learn."
This team had an outstanding run in three national opens and placing in the top 15 in each. Congratulations to Lane and Grant! What an amazing accomplishment in your first year of opens.
Photo Credits: Kyle Jessie, Bassmaster Photographer
2022 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team
IYFL Anglers Do It Again!
Bassmaster High School has selected two IYFL anglers to represent this year's 2022 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team for Iowa! This is the second year in a row that both All-State members have come from the IYFL tournament rosters!
Nationally over 400 applicants entered with only 53 anglers selected to represent as the All-State Fishing Team. These anglers are selected to represent B.A.S.S., their home state, and their fishing programs. They may then be considered for the 2022 Bassmaster All-American Fishing Team.
We could not be prouder of the accomplishments, drive, and dedication that these two anglers have shown. Congratulations Kolby and Tyler!
Tyler (left) and Kolby (right)
2022 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team for Iowa!
About Us
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To support youth fishing among Iowans through educational programs, mentoring and competition, so that Iowa youth develop leadership skills and become stewards of our natural resources.
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